Lot 4659

Description

Trio to KIA: 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. impressed 1461 Pte R. Fuller 10/Bn A.I.F. on first medal, Cpl. R. Fuller. 10-Bn. A.I.F. on last two medals. All medals impressed. Toned good very fine.

Together with Memorial Plaque named to Rueben Fuller.

Rueben Fuller, labourer, age 22, born at Sth Aust; Enl.07Dec1914 at Oaklands, Sth Aust; on strength Gallipoli May 1915; to France 1916; KIA 23Aug1918 and buried in isolated grave subsequently re-interred at Heath Cemetery 1 1/2 miles North of Harbonnieres, The Somme.

Witness account of his death states, 'We were waiting to go forward at German Wood, near Proyart on 23rd August about 5 a.m. when Fritz happened to lay a barrage right on top of us. Fuller and an officer were in a dugout together, a shell came through the roof and killed them both. Fuller had leg, arm and body wounds and must have died instantly. I saw his body immediately afterwards. Did not see him buried but R.S.M. told me next day that he had buried him on the spot and a cross was put up.'

With full file, newspaper clippings (copy), Memorial Plaque box and copy photo.